Question:
Well guys, I have looked into being a pilot again, and have found out that with my bipolar, I am disqualified from becomming a pilot. So my current plan is to go to a community college and get a degree in Diesel Service Technology. It is a two year program that encompasses all diesel systems in a truck. I figure this will help me when I own my own rig to maintain it. Also I will take some accounting courses. So after college I plan to drive for Swift or someone for 2 years and save every penny I make so I can buy a used truck with cash.
Then my plan is to lease on to landstar or the alternative, and then go for authority. I know I have made many plans like this before and many of you said to just shut up and tell when I am in school. However, I appreciate input from real truckers and see what they think of this plan, and this site is no better place to do so. So please no inapproiate comments, and I appreciate any advice you guys have. Thank you

Answer:

I think you'll have to choose which one you want!

Answer:
Ding, " let the games begin"..........
Answer:
You'll earn more fixing them then driving them. You will also work alot less.
Dosn't matter if it is a fleet truck, a 10k owner op start up equipment or a 130k show rig. When it is broke. They have to pay to get it going again. The rates are good.
The pay for many shops is billed to the service tec or done on percentage.
Alot of the techs work as contractors. They have billed rates to the company.
Next time you go in to get a starter replaced and the labor is 100 bucks. The tech takes 3 hours to do the dang job. You are billed the set rate for that job may only be 1.5 hours. He can take 2 days. You get charged for the service level. Time charts for remove and replacment. He gets his money. He can take his time and just be slow.
Some of the TA's shops run this way. Some have ASE lic mechanics that will not even replace a altinator. They will do tire dismounts and mounts at 43 bucks to him a time. Think about it. Why do anything else? Just pop on and off 6 tires a night add in 2 oil changes.. They may require him to be there 8 hours a day. Dosn't mean he has to work.
I have set in way to many shops like them when the guy says I am not doing it. I do not want to. Call Freightliner and have it towed.
There is good money to me made being a tech. Even working for a large carrier in fleet maint. You will have to work and meet quotes, but still better then driving for money.202 N Main Street
Summerfield Il 62289
TRUCK PARKING AVAILABLE!

Answer:
I can't really say much without sounding rude. I honestly don't mean to insult you, but I hope that you take this slow and plan carefully. I won't disagree with your plan to become a diesel mechanic, but to do so as a stepping stone to buying a used truck is likely to be a giant step backwards.

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If it isn't OK to fly a plane when one is bipolar, why is it OK to pilot a 40 ton missile down the road when one is bipolar?
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Cheap Labor and cost of equipment.
Answer:
I'm wondering if there is a way to hide your bipolarism condition? Do you take medication for this? What would happen if you stopped taking your medication? Please be detailed.
Will the medication show up on a drug-test. I understand that these drugs are completely legal, i just want to know of any ramifications of the authorites being aware of these drugs in your system.
I don't want to see you give up flying at the same token, i'm not at all trying to discourage you from trucking.
What i am trying to discourage you from doing is going with swift. Because i think you can do better.
But more later.

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I think I probably could hide my record of being on pills, but I dont know if I would be stable or not, they do not seem to be working anyway

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why SWIFT, of all choices??

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Swift will request a drug test at orientation. If that certain chemical present that they specificly look for, you will be disqualify. It is best if you talk to your recruiter of your situation first to see if he / she can do something for you prior of detecting.

Answer:
I don't mean to but in but your plan sounds admirable, but to achieve those goals will not be easy or quick. Read some of the horror stories, and the tried and died ones from people who tried to buy their own truck and get their own authority..
Driving the truck is going to be the easiest part of the whole plan.. Develpoing the contacts, and finding your own personal "nich" is going to take time. You may get out of the gate and in a truck and totaly change your mind once you experiance the lifestyle you are getting yourself into.
I see young guys comming ang going every day in this buisness. Not many stay.
My buddy said somthing that rings true in trucking. The trucking industry is a verry expensive way to learn from your mistakes.
If I knew then what I know now.. I would be $100,000 richer..